Quality Manager

Position Summary

The Quality Manager leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the organization's Built-In Quality (BIQ) system to ensure products meet or exceed customer expectations the first time, every time. This role is responsible for embedding quality at the source, preventing defects before they reach the customer, and fostering a proactive quality culture across all functions of the manufacturing operation.

The Quality Manager acts as a key leader in driving operational excellence, aligning with company objectives of zero customer disruptions, continuous improvement, and employee empowerment in quality ownership.

Key Responsibilities

Built-In Quality Leadership

• Develop, deploy, and sustain a Built-In Quality system that prevents defects at the source and integrates quality into every manufacturing process.
• Drive a culture of "Do it right the first time" across production, engineering, and supply chain teams.
• Establish quality standards, process controls, and layered process audits to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Lead problem-solving and root cause analysis using structured methods (8D, A3, 5-Why, Fishbone, etc.).
• Collaborate with Engineering to ensure design for manufacturability and design for quality principles are applied in new product introductions (NPI).

Customer Focus

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer quality concerns and ensure rapid containment, corrective, and preventive actions.
• Monitor customer feedback, warranty claims, and returns to identify systemic opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with commercial and operations teams to ensure customer-specific requirements are understood, implemented, and verified.
• Lead efforts to achieve zero customer disruptions through proactive risk mitigation and robust quality assurance processes.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Maintain and continuously improve the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with ISO 9001 (or IATF 16949 / AS9100, as applicable).
• Oversee document control, calibration, supplier quality, internal audits, and management reviews.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory, safety, and customer-specific standards.

Data-Driven Improvement

• Establish and track key Quality KPIs (e.g., First Pass Yield, Cost of Poor Quality, Customer PPM, Internal Scrap).
• Utilize statistical methods and SPC tools to analyze data, identify trends, and prevent recurrence of issues.
• Support continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.

Leadership & Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop a high-performing quality team including engineers, technicians, and inspectors.
• Build cross-functional partnerships with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
• Promote a problem-solving mindset and accountability for quality at all levels of the organization.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 7 years of experience in manufacturing quality, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience implementing Built-In Quality systems or similar proactive quality initiatives.
• Experience with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other quality management standards.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in quality tools and methodologies: FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, MSA, SPC, 8D, and root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred).
• Proficient in data analytics, dashboards, and continuous improvement software.

Soft Skills

• Excellent leadership, communication, and influence across all organizational levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset with a bias for action.
• Customer-focused, collaborative, and able to build trust both internally and externally.

Performance Metrics

• Customer Disruptions (0 goal)
• Internal & External PPM
• First Pass Yield / Scrap Rate
• On-Time Corrective Action Closure
• Audit Performance (Internal, External, Customer)
• Employee Engagement in Quality Initiatives

Company Values Alignment

• Customer Focus: Ensures every process and product delivers reliable quality.
• Built-In Quality: Quality is owned at the source, not inspected in.
• Continuous Improvement: Data-driven learning and prevention.
• Collaboration: Works cross-functionally to strengthen quality culture.
• Integrity: Acts with transparency and accountability.